Pope Francis diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs

Pope Francis, 88, has pneumonia in both lungs.

The Holy Father was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14, after suffering from bronchitis for several days.

In a press release on Feb. 18, the Holy See Press Office said the lab examinations and clinical conditions of Pope Francis continue to present "a complex picture".

The polymicrobial infection, which required cortisone antibiotic therapy, makes the treatment more challenging, the office said.

A control chest CT scan the Pope underwent that afternoon showed "the onset of bilateral pneumonia that required further drug therapy".

The Holy See Press Office added that he was 'in good spirits' and would spend the day resting, praying, and reading texts.

Pope Francis also thanked well-wishers and asked them to continue praying for him.

Upcoming events this weekend meant to be led by Pope Francis were either cancelled or redelegated to another official within the church.

The Holy Father has a history of respiratory problems, having developed pleurisy (inflammation of the membranes in the lungs) and had part of one of his lungs removed at age 21.

Top image via Pope Francis/Instagram